Varsity girls searching for the right formula

Mixing it up and trying players in different positions was the name of the game for the Hood River Valley High School girls’ varsity soccer team, as they started their 14-game season on Thursday afternoon at home against Cleveland High School. Sporting spotless, bright white jerseys, the girls made a good showing, despite an eventual 4-0 loss against a bigger, more physical Cleveland squad.

“It was a good pre-season game,” Coach Joe Kelly said. “It lets us know were we are. And that’s what this is all about right now, it’s getting girls exposure to that kind of play. These non-league games are more about exposure and playing time for certain players in different positions. It’s not about going out and doing whatever you have to do to win. It’s really about getting players some experience in different positions.”

The girls started the game on a tough note, with Cleveland scoring two goals in the first ten minutes and another shortly after.

After halftime, the Eagles showed far greater field presence. They controlled the midfield better, pushed forward more collectively, and cleared the ball better on defense. Kelly attributed the second half improvement to the girls playing positions they were more comfortable with.

“We’re experimenting still, and the girls have been great about that,” Kelly said. “They’re willing to switch around positions a bit and play in places that they’re not used to. They have responded well by being real positive about that.”

The girls have five more games before their first league match at Bend High School on Oct. 14.